₦airaland Forum

Toju200:
we've lost actually up to 5
Two to IED,one to VBIED,two during ambush

Seriously .,..

Thanks for the additional info ! But are you sure of these numbers.

youghs:
Seems like we got alot these APCs

Hmmmm....?


I think we only got few, 8 in total and we've already lost one to I.E.D. One can't really tell if we purchased them or they where gift

Commander, Operation LAFIA DOLE, Maj Gen Yahaya, said 52 insurgents were killed in the last one week, urged troops to sustain offensive. The TC was on operational tour of frontline formations yesterday to commend troops for thrusting deep into insurgents camps in Sambisa Forest.


Source @uncledeji

NA personnel with a CMS 338 Lapua sniper riffle

NA PHANTOM APC

youghs:
Please does anyone knows why NAF isn't releasing footage of their operations since the change of their chief

I thought I was the only one thinking about these ?
Let's hope things would change once they assume office properly

shadowprimezero:
Botswana Mowag Piranhas

Am feeling jealous right now !

SamuelAnyawu:
Chabbal sincerely I always feel scared when I see police checkpoints away from Maiduguri. I once saw a police man with this their tear gas gun in a checkpoint, I begin cry

I don't know if I should starting laughing or crying

SamuelAnyawu:
Nothing much my brother. Just several APC and MRAPS rolling up these our Sambisa axis.

Military don lock us down for two weeks now self. Them dey open the road once in a week now without prior notice. Food price don increase by force.

Abeg Which set of Army guys now where up and down Black (Black long sleeve and black trousers)

Mostly NA S.O.F trained in Buni - Yadi, Yobe State.

MEET THE 21ST CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, NIGERIAN AIR FORCE:
AIR VICE MARSHAL IO AMAO DFS GSS RBS GSM QFI psc fndu MSc MMSc

Born in Enugu on 14 September 1965, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Isiaka Amao, is an indigene of Oshogbo Local Government Area in the State of Osun, South West Nigeria. He joined the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a Cadet of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 35 in January 1984 and, upon completion of his training at the Academy, was commissioned a Pilot Officer in the Nigerian Air Force in December 1986. In an illustrious career spanning over three and a half decades, the distinguished senior officer has served in diverse roles cutting across Operational, Instructional, Command, Staff, Diplomatic, Policy and Strategic Leadership functions.

Operationally, as a seasoned Fighter Instructor Pilot on the Alpha Jet, Air Vice Marshal Amao served as a Squadron Pilot at the 99 (now 407) Air Combat Training Group Kainji. He subsequently worked as an Instructor Pilot at both the 301 (now 401) Flying Training School Kaduna and the 303 (now 403) Flying Training School Kano, with over 1,500 Jet and Instructional Hours to his credit. Notable in his operational experiences are his participation in the draw-down of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), as well as the counter-insurgency Operations ZAMAN LAFIYA and LAFIA DOLE in the North East of Nigeria. His Command experiences cover the spectrum from the tactical, through the operational to the strategic levels, endowing him with a holistic appreciation of the complexities of leading a fighting force. Significantly in this regard, he commanded the 407 Air Combat Training Group Kainji and the 75 (now 103) Strike Group Yola. He went on to become Air Component Commander for both Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA and Operation LAFIYA DOLE, also serving as Deputy Theatre Commander for the latter. In these roles, he oversaw a synergistic employment of Air Power to effectively support land forces in sustaining stabilization operations across the North East Theatre. The Air Vice Marshal then rose to the position of Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, the lead combat element (often referred to as the “teeth”) of the Nigerian Air Force.

In terms of Staff experience, Air Vice Marshal Amao was privileged to serve in critical capacities which enabled him to contribute significantly to development of the Service whilst acquiring unique perspectives and insights which have shaped his strategic thoughts. He was, at various times; Air Assistant to the Chief of the Air Staff, Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Policy, Director of Training as well as Director of Operations, all at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. This rich bouquet of Strategic-level Staff experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation of developmental imperatives of the Service.

Moreover, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao possesses a keen understanding of international relations as they affect defence matters, acquired through service as Deputy Defence Adviser and Acting Defence Adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in London, United Kingdom. In the area of Policy and Strategic Leadership, he has developed vital competencies in the course of his service as Chief of Training and Operations and subsequently Chief of Policy and Plans at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force. Most recently, until his appointment as the Twenty First Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Amao was the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, a key institution tasked with the responsibility of training and empowering military personnel for post-service re-integration into the civil society.

Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao is decorated, amongst others, with the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star and General Service Star, in addition to the General Service Medal and the River Benue Star, which were awarded for his service in various military campaigns. He has also been privileged to benefit from strategic leadership development training in notable indigenous and international institutions; he is an alumnus of the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji-Nigeria as well as the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, India. He is a Fellow of the National Defence University of China and holds a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras India as well as a Master of Military Science and Strategy from the National Defence University China. He is also a certified aircraft accident investigator trained in Karachi, Pakistan and at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria, Nigeria as well as being a Qualified Flying Instructing (QFI).

Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Isiaka Amao is happily married to Mrs Elizabeth Olubunmi Amao, and the union is blessed with 3 sons. At his leisure, he enjoys reading, dancing and travelling as well as playing volleyball and golf. He also has a keen interest in fish farming.

BHT attacks police checkpoint in Maiduguri,
The vehicles were captured when the group attacked a police checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Chabal-Magumeri Road in Borno State. Chabal in the Magumeri Local Government Area is about 22km from Maimalari Cantonment, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maiduguri.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Super Green Security Nigeria Limited is one of the ventures under the Nigerian Army. The company is seeking to engage ex servicemen and retired officers who are fit and able to work in the Niger Delta. Salary and condition of service very attractive. If interested, please call 0811 030 7777 alternatively, you can visit the office at 22, Oro Ago Crescent, Garki Abuja.

Signed: AB Abubakar
Maj Gen (rtd)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZnMjgaN-Fk

Toju200:
The once ‘impenetrable’ stronghold of the BokoHaram for 4years, the Timbuktu Triangle straddling #Borno & #Yobe States, comprising Buk, Talala, Gorgi in dreaded #Sambisa Forest finally captured by the gallant Nigerian Troops & MNJTF. Several kidnap victims also freed.

Seems NA has recaptured a VBL Panhard APC

Toju200:
The once ‘impenetrable’ stronghold of the BokoHaram for 4years, the Timbuktu Triangle straddling #Borno & #Yobe States, comprising Buk, Talala, Gorgi in dreaded #Sambisa Forest finally captured by the gallant Nigerian Troops & MNJTF. Several kidnap victims also freed.

More stronghold will fall and more battle victories !

Toju200:
All this una unnecessary argument me don tire o
Abeg SamuelAnyawu Afar any updates

Naa miscreants like them go come they yarn say the thread his boring when thy do not contribute anything meaningful than arguments that are of no relevance to the thread.

Buhari’s ADC, Colonel ML Abubakar Off To Santiago For Promotional Course.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Colonel Mohammed Lawal Abubakar, has been nominated to attend a five months Strategic and Defence Course at Santiago Chile (from 8 March – 30 July 2021).

The course is a prerequisite for his next promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General in the last quarter 2021 and posting outside the shores of the country as a Defence Attache/Adviser in keeping with the customs and tradition of recognising Officers that served as Aide-De- Camp to the President and concluded tour of duty without any blemish.

Abubakar, who will by the end of February, be the longest-serving ADC to a civilian president (having served in that position for almost six years), and the second longest-serving ADC in the history of Armed Forces of Nigeria after late Colonel Walbe who served General Yakubu Gowon for nine (9) years.

The 48-year-old ADC, who had served in various Army units and formations within and outside Nigeria at different capacities also recommended his successor by nominating three seasoned and trustworthy Army Officers to President Buhari, and the Commander-in-Chief picked Lt. Col Yusuf Muktar Dodo, an Academy Adjutant of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), who will understudy Abubakar for three weeks to learn the ropes of his new assignment, conclude handing/taking over process and daily briefings accordingly. Abubakar will leave for Santiago Chile on March 8th.

The office of ADC to the President statutorily provides security and protects the President and his family in conjunction with other security agencies. Customarily, the ADC attends to the personal needs of the president and other matters regarding his functions as the Head of State of the Armed Forces and the well-being of his family.

Officers who are to be nominated to be ADC to the President must be loyal, of high moral standard, impeccable character, courage, knowledgeable as well as a high level of integrity.

Abubakar, is a tested and experienced commander, trained and disciplined Instructor, Security manager and a talented Investigator.

He was born on the 28th March 1973 at Wusasa Zaria. Father from Kano State. Mother from Edo State. He had a very impressive educational background. He attended Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, from 1985 – 1990 where he developed early leadership skills.

He was the Head Boy of his set (Popularly known as Boy Regimental Sergeant Major). After graduating from NMS in 1990 he had a stilt stay at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as a science undergraduate student.

He later proceeded to Nigerian Defence Academy in 1992 on gaining admission as a member of 44 Regular Course to read Biological Sciences. Col Abubakar has a Masters Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, and also a Masters in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice both from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He possesses the following Medals and Decorations.

– Pass Staff Course (psc)
– Command Medal (Cm)
– Field Command Medal (Fcm)
– United Nations Mission in Sierra-leone (UNAMSIL)
– General Operations Medal (Gom)
– Forces Service Star
– Meritorious Service Star

Col Lawal is a fellow of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). He is married to Hajiya Fatima Musa Daura and blessed with Children. Col Abubakar will be missed by the Villa Community mostly due to his Hard work, frankness, intelligence, no non-sense attitude, firmness, generosity and care for junior Staff/Workers within the State House.

The President posited in Lawal’s Annual Performance Evaluation Report, that the Officer is disciplined, highly committed and loyal Officer, sociable and amiable to his superiors and subordinates alike. The C-in-C highly recommended Col Lawal for promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General when due in October 2021 accordingly. Congratulations Col Abubakar for a meritorious and a successful tour of National Duty as Aide-De-Camp to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was indeed a privilege.

HAPPENING NOW: The General Officer Commanding 6 Division NA and the Land Component Commander Operation Delta Safe Maj Gen IM Jallo commenced his operational visit to Formations and Units within Port Harcourt Barracks. So far the GOC has visited the following: 6 Division Garrison, 29 Bn, 56 Signal Brigade, 46 Engineer Bde, 6 Division Supply and Transport, 6 Division Ordinance Services, and 106 Equipment Support. In all, the GOC was briefed on the operational readiness of the Formations and Units.

DefenceInfoNG leaders & State Dept’s Air-Ground AGI Advisor review $2.38M of communications equipment to support the Nigeria Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Joint AGI school, donated by @USAfricaCommand. After a pause for #COVID restrictions, DHQ will recommence in-person training.
AGI is a Joint program overseen by DefenceInfoNG HQ to enhance airstrike & artillery ops while adhering to the Law of Armed Conflict.


Source- US mission in Nigeria

kabe1:
Nigerian army

Beautiful pictures !

More

NAF HOLDS FLY-OUT PARADE IN HONOUR OF IMMEDIATE PAST CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, AIR MARSHAL SADIQUE ABUBAKAR

As part of activities to mark the handing over of the mantle of leadership between the 20th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the 21st CAS, the NAF today, 2 February 2021, held a colourful Fly-Out Parade at the NAF Base in Abuja to honour Air Marshal Sadique Abubarkar (Retired) to mark his final exit from the Service. During the event, the erstwhile CAS urged personnel of the NAF to remain steadfast in the fight to return peace to troubled parts of the country whilst charging them to continue to give their best in service to the Nation.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed confidence in the abilities of the new CAS, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oladayo Amao, to take the NAF to even greater heights. He urged the new CAS to endeavour to sustain the capacity building initiatives that had been emplaced over the last 5 years by his Administration. According to him, “In the last 5 years, we have been able to restructure and reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force. The NAF flag is today flying high from Agatu to Gembu as well as to Gusau, Katsina, Daura, Owerri, Birnin Gwari, Ipetu-Ijesha, Kerang, Gombe and Bauchi”.

The former CAS added that the current structures would certainly add a lot of value to NAF’s efforts at securing Nigeria and the Nigerian people. He also expressed confidence that, with the imminent arrival of 15 additional aircraft and 8 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), the Service would be better positioned to be more decisive in addressing the security challenges facing the Nation. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the NAF would be able to employ air power more effectively, efficiently and timely in all theatres of operations across the Country.

While recounting some of his achievements, the former CAS highlighted that the Service through capacity building initiatives has trained and winged 133 pilots, who, he said, constitute 49% of all active NAF pilots that are fighting in different theatres of conflicts to secure the Country. He noted that an additional 21 pilots would be completing their training before the end of the First Quarter of 2021 to join their comrades in the fight to defend the territorial integrity and National sovereignty. Air Marshal Abubakar also disclosed that, while in office, he had successfully executed a programme to bridge the gap between force projection and force protection; since, as he said, the Service cannot effectively project air power if it does not have the means to properly protect its bases, air assets and aircrew.

In the area of Research and Development, Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that the NAF has entered into partnership with 15 Nigerian universities, that, he said, have continued to contribute significantly to addressing some of the NAF’s aircraft maintenance challenges. He expressed satisfaction on exiting the NAF having substantially achieved his set goals. He therefore thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on the Air Force, as well as Officers, Airmen and Airwomen of the Service for their support in ensuring that the NAF got elevated to a much higher level than what he met.

Highlight of the ceremony, which featured the review of the parade by the immediate past CAS as the 2 Guards and the Colour Party marched past in slow and quick time, was the flying-out of the former CAS and his wife, Hajiya Hafsat Sadique Abubakar, onboard a NAF Bell 412 Helicopter.

Among the dignitaries at event were the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Air Force, Honourable Abbas Adigun; the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Retired); the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Ibrahim Attahiru; as well as the Representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of the Naval Staff. Also present were former Chiefs of Defence and Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin and AVM Femi John Femi (Retired); the Chief of Defence Intelligence, AVM Mohammed Usman, Director Air Force Ministry of Defence, Mr Ashibel Peter Utsu; the National President of Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Elizabeth Olubunmi Amao; as well as Branch Chiefs from Defence Headquarters and HQ NAF; Commandants of Tri-Service and NAF Institutions; Air Officers Commanding of the 6 NAF Commands, along with many other serving and retired senior military officers.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
2 February 2021

U.S. Embassy Abuja Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) donated equipment to the Nigerian Police Borno State Mobile Patrol to aid in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast and restore civilian authority in areas affected by the BokoHaram insurgency

Seven notorious bandits have renounced banditry & surrendered weapons including 14 AK47 rifles + ammunition to Zamfara State Government yesterday Thur 28 January. They decided to surrendered their weapons following peace accord initiated by Gov Matawalle.

Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau has interjected himself into the limelight. This time threatening the newly appointed Service Chiefs. In a 56 seconds video the embattled leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, vowed to block all chances of success of the new service chiefs

JUST IN: President Buhari has written to the National Assembly, seeking confirmation of the recently appointed Service Chiefs, the letter sent to the Nigerian Senate President Ahmad Lawan was dated January 27.

After a distinguished and meritorious service to the nation, Lieutenant General TY Buratai officially handed over the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army to the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General I Attahiru, at the Army Headquarters,Abuja,today 28 January 2021.

Buratai: The Exit Of The Warrior Of Peace. By Best Agbese

At last, President Muhammadu Buhari brought down the gavel, and with it he announced the change of Service Chiefs and immediately appointed their replacements. The erstwhile Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and honcho of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai also gracefully bowed out of office after decades of meritorious service to his fatherland.

For Gen. Buratai the news came to him in the same manner his appointment was also announced. He waited for this day and he knew from the outset that there would come a day, he must retire from active service to Nigeria. He gave his best; his very best to salvage his country from insecurities. No doubt, as Nigeria’s numero uno soldier, he has also bequeathed to Nigeria, a Nigerian Army better than he met it in 2015.

The day, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai decided to pursue a military career, he had no premonition of rising from the scratch to attain the highest pinnacle of his professional career. But through the divine will of God Almighty, he reached the peak and history would also remember him as one of the longest serving COAS in recent times. It is a plus in itself!

Gen. Buratai, was appointed as Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), by President Buhari on July 13th, 2015. His appointment could not have been timelier because it came at a time when the morale of the soldiers was at its lowest ebb. It was glaring that soldiers were completely downcast in fighting insecurities in Nigeria because of multiple physical and psychological inhibitions. However, Gen. Buratai changed the narrative very miraculously and within the shortest time.


Prior to his appointment as COAS, the Boko Haram insurgents gambled with the country’s troops; evident in soldiers withdrawing from the frontlines in the face of enemy adversaries for fear of their lives. An enfeebled Nigerian Army lost its officers and men in droves. Nigerian Army, hitherto regarded as the best in Africa, had become an object of ridicule and spoofs to even armies of other countries.

So, when Buratai mounted the saddle, it soothed and pleasured Nigerians. His track records of service loudly attested to his proficiency as a gifted combatant soldier, Military strategist and tactician. His appointment as the COAS brought renewed hopes of a better Nigeria Army. And true to expectations, the country’s Army under his leadership began its journey towards self-rediscovery. Gen. Buratai has lived every word of his promise of repositioning, innovating and reforming this revered institution.

As an obedient and dedicated officer, Gen. Buratai was quick to enforce the instructions of his Commander- in -Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Buhari. First, it was to relocate the military command centre from Abuja to Maiduguri, the epicenter of insurgency in the Northeast region. The action migrated the anti-insurgency war to the door steps of the Boko Haram devils.

As an exemplary leader, Gen. Buratai also compelled other senior Army officers to hop into the trenches with him at the warfront of the troubled Northeast. His actions advertised it as compulsory and no one had to be prodded because Gen. Buratai led by example.

Thus, for the first time, Nigeria had a COAS who personally shadowed in the battlefield alongside with his troops. He coordinated series of attacks on terrorists. He featured in the squad of troops who launched massive attacks on Sambisa forest’s Camp Zairo which either naturalized or dislodged insurgents. With the demystification of the dreaded forest, members of the sect were decimated, and only able to launch minimal and intermittent cowardly attacks on soft targets. Gen. Buratai broke the jinx of Sambisa forest.

Gen. Buratai has finally exited the stage, but he has left behind lasting legacies in the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army under his reign has been repositioned into a professionally competent fighting force. Soldiers under his leadership have shown outstanding commitment to the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. The Army’s constant interventions in Internal Security (IS) operations in the country are landmark relics for Nigerians.

Until January 26th, 2021, the Nigerian Army under Buratai’s guidance had conducted over 40 special internal operations and exercises, as response to particular security challenges across the country. And these operations have been hugely successful. The Exercises/Operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Python Dance, Operation Sahel Sanity, Operation Last Hold and so forth,

launched to tackle Boko Haram, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal gangs in the country have deposited ineffaceable footprints in Nigeria’s security history.

Under Gen. Buratai’s leadership, the welfare of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army was a major priority. He was aware of the fact that for his troops to have the right frame of mind in their line of duty, welfare must be prioritized. And so, he upgraded and regularly paid the salaries, allowances and bonuses of soldiers.

Adequate accommodations, both office and residential were also provided for the officers and men of the Nigerian Army. Old and dilapidated Army Barracks were renovated and new ones built. New Army Divisions and countless Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) have been established throughout Nigeria to bring military policing nearer to the people.

The amiable Army General also ensured that troops got their kits as at when due. He was famed for going at any length to ensure the needs of his troops were met at every point in time. Mr. President would hardly rest, if he is yet to approve the request Gen. Buratai forwards to him for soldiers. Mr. President loved it.

On assumption of office, Gen. Buratai, promised the officers and soldiers to prioritize their welfare. He had covenanted; “I want to reassure you that troops’ welfare will continue to receive my utmost attention. Every step is being taken to ensure that you get the best in terms of uniforms, boots and equipment as well as medical care among others…President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his total support to our armed forces in its current campaign to restore the territorial integrity of our dear nation.”

To Buratai’s relentless struggles, soldiers under his watch have had every reason to smile in comfort and, stabilized emotionally and psychologically. And unlike in the recent past, priority was also given to the purchase or provision of equipment used by the military to combat insurgency. There innovation was reactivated in the Nigerian Army. The Army under him devised ways of arming, equipping and kitting Army personnel. It explored the sophistry of local technologies to make battles in the trenches a seamless exercise for the troops.

Nigerians would remember Gen. Buratai’s tenure as a period the Nigerian Army started the production of small and light arms and other combat artilleries that turned out to be effective in the war against terrorism. He adopted home-grown solutions, using local contents in manufacturing weapons for counter-insurgency. MRAP stands out distinctively.

The Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) which was established in 2019, under Gen. Buratai’s leadership was the first of its kind in the history of the country. Before his tenure, there was never any serious effort at producing military equipment locally by the Nigerian Army. He revived the moribund Army institutions and brought them back to ultimate productivity.

The feat has now set-in motion the Nigerian Army’s irrevocable march towards self-reliance in the production and maintenance of Armored Fighting Vehicles and other classes of military vehicles. It’s a shiny relic of his tenure because over the years, the Nigerian Army had relied on the importation of all its weaponry needs.

Equally of note is the establishment of the Human Rights Desk in the Army Headquarters (AHQs), which is replicated in all Army Divisions. It is targeted at resolving unforeseen incidents of alleged human rights violations of Nigerians in the course of special assignments by soldiers.

Gen. Buratai also implemented the Army’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project for the first time. Through it, host communities benefitted from community-based projects in water, electricity, healthcare, and roads construction among others. All these will always invoke fond memories of Gen. Buratai’s regime of the Nigerian Army.

As Gen. Buratai gracefully bows out of active service, he will be remembered as a reputable military expert, strategist, tactician, military historian, a philosopher, an administrator, a development expert, an iconic personality and a perceptive management expert. He was also able to inculcate the spirit of patriotism, excellence, selfless devotion to fatherland, courage, doggedness, the willingness to take action, enhanced performance and inimitable commitment to nationhood which were lacking in the Nigerian Army when he ascended the throne.

As someone who always thinks outside of the box to find remedies for the security challenges facing the country, Gen. Buratai, was able to build synergies and brainstormed with other Army chiefs around the globe in exchange of ideas on tackling terrorism. He was a global Army General and the people’s hero in Nigeria. It has not escaped the eyes that Gen. Buratai personified peace, humanity and development.

Now that Gen. Buratai has taken a bow, one thing is sure; he left the Nigerian Army and security of the country far better than where he met it. He has bowed out without any Nigerian territory still under the control of the Boko Haramists. It is also important to state here that during his time, the Boko Haram insurgents lacked the capacity to carry out attacks in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory as well as other core Northern states as previously obtained in 2015.

Indeed, Nigeria is safer today because of the unique leadership style, loyal and selfless service provided by the out-gone Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Buratai. These and many more are the reasons Gen. Buratai will forever have his name ingrained in gold in the Hall of Fame.

– Agbese, a researcher wrote from the United Kingdom.



© 2020 Leadership Newspaper

Concl

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NIGERIEN AIR FORCE CHIEF CONCLUDES TOUR OF NAF FORMATIONS, COMMENDS ATF FOR ITS OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISTS

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Nigerien Air Force, Colonel Amirou Abdulkader, has commended the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD), for the successes recorded so far, in its renewed offensive operations against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in the North East of the Country. The Nigerien CAS gave the commendation yesterday, 27 January 2021, while addressing personnel of the ATF during his visit to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operational Units in Maiduguri to enhance collaboration in the conduct of air operations in support of the ongoing Counter-Insurgency (COIN) operations in the Lake Chad Basin area. Colonel Abdulkader, who earlier visited some NAF units in Kaduna, stated that he was pleased with the level of cooperation between the 2 air forces as well as the opportunities he had observed that could help further build capacity of the Nigerien Air Force.

While conveying the appreciation of the entire Nigerien Air Force family to the ATF for its relentless efforts in the fight against insurgency, the Nigerien CAS, who was received in Maiduguri by the NAF Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) James Gwani, noted that operations being conducted have been very fruitful in further destabilizing the BHTs’ new leadership and curtailing their freedom of action within the Theatre. He however urged the ATF to sustain the onslaught in order to ensure total defeat of the terrorists. He also appreciated personnel of the ATF for their sacrifices and dedication towards ensuring that there is relative peace in Nigeria and the entire Lake Chad Basin, while expressing readiness to further improve synergy between both forces.

The ATF Commander, Air Commodore Abubakar Abdulkadir, had earlier briefed the Nigerien CAS on the successes recorded so far in different operations conducted within the Theatre. He mentioned that the synergy between Nigeria and Niger Republic has been very effective towards the maintenance of peace and security in the Region.

In a related development, the Nigerien CAS had earlier visited some Units at the NAF Base Kaduna to assess areas of collaboration between the two air forces. The Units visited include 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Regiment Training Centre (RTC) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). At 401 FTS, Colonel Amirou was briefed on the activities of the Unit which was followed by a tour of facilities of the School. While at the RTC, the Nigerien CAS was treated to a demonstration by the NAF Special Forces on their capabilities in fast roping, insertion and extraction, counterterrorism offensive and medical evacuation during fierce battle, amongst others. Colonel Abdulkader also visited the AFIT, where the Commandant, AVM Abdulganiyu Olabisi, along with other senior officers of the Institute, gave him detailed briefing on training opportunities for engineers and technicians, amongst other professions, whilst also conducting him on a tour of the Institute's facilities.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
28 January 2021

#NA
#CION

Notice the STI tank destroyer @ the background, 1st photo.